Child Family Health International

My experience with CFHI in Uganda was transformative, offering a deep understanding of global health systems and the social determinants of health that impact underserved communities. Volunteering with the Kigezi Healthcare Foundation (Kihefo), I saw firsthand how community-driven healthcare initiatives can reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, address HIV/AIDS, and increase access to basic healthcare services. CFHI’s commitment to promoting global health in a sustainable and ethical way allowed me to witness the power of grassroots efforts and the profound impact of local collaboration on improving health outcomes. This experience not only broadened my perspective on public health but deepened my understanding of the intersection between social factors, healthcare systems, and overall well-being. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in global health, especially as an introduction!

Spending five weeks in Tarija, Bolivia for CFHI’s Global Health Internship was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my public health and medical career journey. I have traveled a lot previously and done a similar program in Spain, but the experience with CFHI stood out due to the ability to live with a host family and experience the culture of Tarija, while also having access to multiple different clinical sites where I could learn from physicians, patients, and technicians in a way that is very hard to find in other programs. I had rotations in a primary health center, a clinic just for Chagas patients, a big teaching hospital, and an entomology lab in the departmental health service. This variety of experience allowed me to learn in depth about the health system, public health initiatives, and the experiences of both physicians and patients. I was able to see firsthand how the physicians and technicians worked in resource-limited settings to provide compassionate care and worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of members of their communities. In addition to these rotations, I was able to complete a practicum where I could combine this hands-on experience with a review of literature on the Bolivian health system and vector-borne disease to devise recommendations to improve vector-borne disease control in the department. I was also able to present these recommendations after working with the health coordinator and the head technician of the entomology lab in the department. While having this enriching experience learning from physicians and technicians, I was also able to learn the culture in depth and improve my Spanish fluency. Our Spanish lessons were delivered in a dynamic fashion where we had classes both in the classroom and out in the city in areas such as museums and cultural sites. This allowed me to really learn about the history and culture of the city. I was also able to go on weekend trips to La Paz and Uyuni, where I was able to further learn about the history and culture of Bolivia. All of these experiences were done while living with a host family in the city who always made every effort to make me and the other students feel comfortable and at home. I spent time with my host family every day during meals and formed a close bond with them. We also lived in the center of the city where we could comfortably walk to clinics, coffee shops, restaurants, or stores. This was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to gain more experience in medicine/public health!

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a global health education nonprofit that partners with local communities and health systems in underserved regions to provide transformative clinical and public health experiences for aspiring health professionals. With a strong emphasis on ethical engagement, cultural humility, and sustainable development, CFHI offers immersive programs that expose participants to real-world healthcare challenges while supporting local providers and promoting global health equity. The CanSupport–Cancer program in New Delhi, India, is one such offering—focusing on palliative and cancer care in a resource-constrained setting. It offers students firsthand experience in home-based care, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the social determinants of health affecting vulnerable populations. As a Medical Observer through CFHI’s CanSupport–Cancer program, I had the privilege of working alongside physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals providing end-of-life care to patients in their homes and local daycare centers. We served individuals facing advanced-stage cancer, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and other serious conditions. I witnessed the importance of dignity, emotional support, and cultural sensitivity in palliative care, and developed a deeper understanding of pain management, family dynamics, and ethical decision-making. This experience not only strengthened my clinical observational skills but also taught me how to provide holistic, patient-centered support during life’s most vulnerable moments. In addition to community-based care, I completed a one-month clinical observership at Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, one of India’s leading private healthcare institutions. Under neurologists Dr. P.N. Renjen and Dr. Avinash, I observed diagnosis and treatment approaches for strokes, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s, gaining familiarity with neurological exams, neuroimaging, and acute care. I also rotated in pediatric cardiology with Dr. Reetesh Gupta, where I observed echocardiograms, EKG interpretation, and pediatric cardiac surgeries. These combined experiences gave me a holistic view of both public and private healthcare delivery in India and deepened my passion for compassionate, interdisciplinary, and culturally competent medical care.